Head Royce Championship Game
On a Friday night, at Head Royce School Gym, the anticipated Head Royce vs Athenian NCS Championship game was near. Colorful and vibrant, the bleachers were filled with hopeful, hyped fans from both teams as loud music played throughout the gym. Prior to the tip-off, a student from Head Royce sang the national anthem; claps and cheers followed. Two tall, strong players stepped up to the half-court line, and waited for the ref to toss the ball up, legs primed and ready to leap up for the basketball. The ref cast the ball up, and the game was on.
Athenian easily gained first possession, sending it to the point guard. The shifty guard made impressive passes, did some deceptive tricks, and scored the first points of the game. The ball went back and forth as both teams played strongly. Yet Athenian emerged ahead 26–22 by half time.
Bouncing back from the tough first half, Head Royce put on a show. Flashily and accurately, threes were released, dunks were slammed, and aggressive defense was played. Athenian slowed down and couldn’t keep up.
In the final quarter, Head Royce kept a 15-point distance. Confident enough, they subbed their bench players for the last minute. Thrilled fans waved goodbye to the opposing team and the buzzer beater went off. Head Royce fans, excited and proud, ran onto the court to celebrate the 2024 NCS D5 Basketball Champions. Head Royce advanced to the CIF playoffs.
